What Are Allergens And Allergies?

Allergens:- An allergen is a substance which is harmless. It occurs by having contact with your skin when consumed or inhaled. Allergen is recognized as a threat to the immune system. You can put a substance that your body and immune system can recognize as a danger to the whole body. Some common allergens are pollen, dust, bee venom, pet dander. People can also get allergic to drugs, food, etc.

Allergy:- An allergy is a situation when the immune system abnormally reacts to an outside substance. Whenever you ingest or come in contact with any allergen the body gives a hypersensitive response. Allergic reactions can affect differently and can range from mild to severe and in some cases, it leads to death.

Relation Between Allergens And Allergies

When the immune system of the body reacts to an allergen it produces an antibody element called an immunoglobulin (IgE). The body has the mechanism of the self-mechanism of self-defense which ends the allergens. In this whole process, the IgE antibodies may signal other cells in the body to create specific chemicals. One such chemical is known as histamine. The increase in the level of histamine in the body can give rise to various symptoms that we experience and it is termed as the allergic reaction. Symptoms such as blocked or a runny nose, hives, rashes, constant sneezing, trouble in breathing, watery eyes and swelling in and around the mouth or throat.

Common Allergies In India

Respiratory Allergy (dust, pollen, pet dander)

Skin Allergies (contact dermatitis, eczema, latex allergy)

Seasonal Allergies (asthma during extreme weather and so on)

Insect Sting Allergies (honey bee, hornet)

Drug Allergies (antibiotics and other drugs)

Food Allergies (nuts, dairy)

Symptoms Of Allergies

Shortness of breath

Wheezing

Swollen tongue, lips, face, and throat

Vomiting and coughing

Blocked or a runny nose

Itchy

Flaky or peeling skin

Rashes on skin

Treatment And Prevention

Many expert doctors suggest that immediate medical attention should be taken if anyone suffers from allergic reactions.

Mild to moderate allergic reactions: Use medicines like decongestants, anti-inflammatory medicines, antihistamines, aspirin, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. You can also use lotions such as calamine can provide you relief but will not cure the allergy. To cure the allergy you should visit a doctor.

Immunotherapy: This is another form of treatment which doctors turn to, in order to gain long -term tolerance of severe allergies. This therapy trains your immune system.

The best possible way to prevent or limit an allergic reaction to stay away from the allergen. To do this thing you should be vigilant in checking the ingredients of food packages for any allergy warning. This should be done because food plays a big role in the allergic reaction.

The another and the best preventive measure to be taken is to always keep your medicines with you, wherever you go. Moreover, you should always have a plan for an allergy reaction.